FG Presents Sports Equipment To 51 Primary Schools

The Federal Government of Nigeria has presented sports equipment to about 51 public primary schools in Ogun state, southwest Nigeria.

This according to the government, is to develop talents at the grassroots in nine core areas of sporting activities such as athletics, badminton, football, volleyball for national and international sporting engagements.

At a ceremony held at the MKO Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Amina Mohammed, reiterated the commitment of the federal government towards diversification of the economy through national and international sporting activities

“Let me state at this juncture that it is not by coincidence that this event is taking place at the early stage of the life of this administration.

“Even though the trust fund was established 11 years ago, today’s ceremony affirms the avowed commitment of this administration to change the life of every Nigerian positively in a manner that matters to them.

“Consistent with the economic blueprint of diversifying the economic base, the renewed focus on the lottery industry is a testimony that government is determined to harness needed resources wherever they may be found in order to continue to develop our economic potentials and apply them to the generality of Nigerians”.

Revenue Generation

Further, Mohammed added that “already, government has identified sports as a major revenue earner and capable of significantly contributing to our gross earnings outside of oil.

“Over the last three decades, we have imported a high number of youths with sports talents especially football, where they are excelling in major European leagues and even in Asia.

“It is with this realization that the policy on good causes is channeled to encourage more youth participation in sports”.

Local Manufacturing

“In the same vein, and in order to broaden the scope of participation and eliminate obstacles regarding access to certain sporting activities, especially the games considered as elitist, government is now encouraging the local manufacture of sports equipment and products.

“To this end, I am pleased to acknowledge the production of international quality football by the Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria in Kaduna state,” she said.

The Ogun state Deputy Governor, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, who represented the governor commended the federal government for the gesture, while promising that the sporting equipment would be judiciously used to boost sporting activities among the pupils across the state.

“The gesture by the presidency will further boost recreational activities in our schools and also develop sporting potentials in our youths at large.

“This administration of the Ibikunle Amosun will continue to encourage our children to participate in sporting activities right from their younger ages.

“Let me assure you at this juncture that our pupils and youths will make maximum use of the sporting equipment.

Mrs Onanuga then stressed that the government of Ogun state looks forward to more collaboration with the federal government.